Paramedics were quickly at the scene but efforts to revive him proved unsuccessful and he died.

The tragedy happened about 2pm yesterday in the car park at the Casa Rusa Marbella, a commercial centre focused on the Russian-speaking population.

The unnamed driver passed a breath test and was released after giving a statement.

A local investigating magistrate is now probing the incident and will decide whether to bring any criminal charges.

Local newspaper Diario Sur said the Brit tourists, said to be aged between 20 and 24, were leaving the car park near the dual-carriageway linking Marbella and the neighbouring town of San Pedro de Alcantara.

They had just stopped to pick up a cap belonging to one of the men that had blown out of the window as they drove through a residential estate called El Embrujo.